SKATING is set to return to Dorchester’s Brewery Square.

After proving hugely popular last year, the synthetic ice rink is returning to the square for the winter from Saturday, November 22.

More than 5,000 people got their skates on last winter when the fountains in the square were converted into an ice rink for the first time.

This year there will be a few alterations as the unit used last year has now been taken up by French restaurant Cote Brasserie.

Tamzin Hyde, from Skating in the Square, said they were planning on using a ‘Christmas cabin’ out in the square to run the skating from.

She said after last year’s success she heard from several people who were keen to see the return of the rink.

Tamzin said: “It was fantastic last year, we had 5,500 people skate despite the weather so that was amazing and we had really positive feedback.”

She added that it helped add an extra festive atmosphere in the town and both members of the public and businesses at Brewery Square were looking forward to the return.

Tamzin said: “Everyone seems excited that it’s coming back. Everybody I spoke to said what a lovely atmosphere it was last year and people who work in the restaurants are all really excited it’s coming again.

“It just felt really positive and of course there is nothing else really like it locally.”

The timings for skating have yet to be confirmed but it will be open all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

During the week organisers are looking at running the skating from 4.30pm at least on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and possibly the rest of the week while it is likely to be all day once the school holidays begin.

To keep up to date with the latest information visit skatinginthesquare.co.uk Last year Tamzin’s husband Peter, from Trinity Street Christmas Trees, put up more than 30,000 lights as well as two giant Christmas trees and other trees around the square and she said this time round he was looking to add even more sparkle.

On the opening Saturday there will also be the Anonymous Travelling Market setting up in the square and music from Gut and Steel.

For more details visit brewerysquare.com or skatinginthesquare.co.uk